Lawmakers call for release of Paul Whelan

WASHINGTON--- A bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced resolutions in both the House and Senate to release Paul Whelan from a prison in Moscow. Whelan was arrested on December 28th and charged with espionage.

 The resolutions are spearheaded by Senator Gary Peters (D-Mich.). On Thursday, Peters, along with the sister of Whelan, held a press conference calling for his release. 

Whelan has suffered multiple injuries to his shoulders, and re-aggravated a hernia in his growing while in custody. Peters and the Whelan family argue that the Russian government has provided no evidence in their claims. 

A Russian judge ruled in August that the earliest Whelan can be released from his pretrial detention is October 29th.